Stoops is expecting a much better showing from his own defense and that could be the difference in the game since both teams are excellent on the offensive side of the ball. Oklahoma averages 43.8 points and 457.6 yards of total offense and Missouri averages 41.9 points and 507.3 yards. That side of the equation is virtually even.

On defense the Sooners allow 18.2 points and 324.6 yards per game and also come up with a ton of big plays. They have scored 5 defensive touchdowns this season, equaling the school record. Strong safety D.J. Wolfe is the leader of the defense, having registered 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. He had a first-quarter interception in the first game against Missouri.

The Tigers are decent on defense but they are not physical in the secondary and don’t put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. That’s not the kind of formula that is usually successful against the Sooners. Mizzou gives up 23.4 points and 380.8 yards per game.

That should be excellent news for Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, who is probably tired of hearing how great Daniel is following his 40-of-49 showing against Kansas. He leads the nation in passing efficiency (182.2) and has tossed just three interceptions in the last seven games. He is trying to become the fifth quarterback to win a Big 12 title for Oklahoma in the program’s six trips to the championship game since 2000.

Bradford should be at his best because Allen Patrick has given the Sooners some big-play talent on the ground. He ran for 202 yards on 29 carries last week against Oklahoma State and scored 3 touchdowns, including his first as a receiver. Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly is battling a hip pointer but he will play against the Tigers. He knows about coming through in the Big 12 championship game. He caught 10 passes for 142 yards in last year’s 21-7 win over Nebraska.

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Daniel, Rucker, Temple, Danario Alexander and Jeremy Maclin give the Tigers a crew of big-play weapons who can rack up impressive numbers nearly every game. However, against a top-caliber opponent, Missouri lacks the defense and big-game presence to win. Look for Oklahoma to come through with a 35-21 victory.

They will be singing Boomer Sooner in full voice at the Alamodome … and it will be almost as loud in Columbus, Ohio.

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